I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Killfile by Christopher Farnsworth Published by William Morrow on August 9, 2016
Genres: Science Fiction, Suspense, Thriller
Pages: 336
Format: eARC
Source: the publisher
Reading minds is John Smith's gift. Not only can he hear their thoughts, but he can experience and harness their pain and fear. Realizing his talent, the CIA helped develop him into one of their most valuable operatives. After some time, the realization of the tasks he was asked to perform set in, and John fled the agency and became a private consultant.
His latest assignment: to investigate the former employee of a powerful software company, accused of stealing very valuable intellectual property. The payment is priceless: possession of his very own remote island, away from the overwhelming voices that permeate his mind. Unfortunately, just before he's able to get inside the mind of the accused, he finds himself caught in the middle, his own identity compromised, leaving him out in the open and vulnerable.
John realizes the only way he can save his sanity, and his life, is to use his power in a way he's never before, no matter the consequences.
What a fun, engaging, read! John Smith is certainly a unique protagonist. A former foster child with no memories of his parents, he spent his entire life attempting to come to terms with his hidden talent. Imagine being in a crowded room, with hundreds of voices around you, unable to silence them? This is everyday life for John Smith. He’s ready to make a change in his life, to retreat from humanity and maintain his own isolated existence. Unfortunately, the world has other things planned for him.
As a character, John Smith is extremely well-developed. Through flashbacks, we are able to follow John through his life as he is forced to deal with this talent alone. Though he has his faults (how could he not), he is an extremely likable and genuine character. Through these flashbacks we get an in-depth glimpse of John Smith himself, yet is still a mere shadow compared to what he picks up from the world around him.
From page one, this title chock-full of intensity and action, propelling the reader through the pages. I read it in just a few sittings; it’s that engaging.
I’ve been a fan of Farnsworth’s writings since his President’s Vampire trilogy. I hope this is the beginning of another brilliantly addictive series! Highly recommended!
